AWS Supports Heriot-Watt Student

AWS Ocean Energy Ltd, one of Scotland’s and the UK’s leading marine energy technology companies today announced the award of a £2000 MSc dissertation studentship to Heriot-Watt student Gregory Blower. As a result, Gregory will spend the summer at Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus working with AWS Ocean Energy on the company’s wave energy device.

Based in Edinburgh, Gregory is studying for an MSc in Energy at Heriot Watt University. Commenting on his project he said “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with one of the world leading wave energy companies and gain a unique insight into the development of these devices.  It also means that I can study in Orkney over the summer. The growing cluster of activity there means that Orkney is fast emerging as a global centre of excellence for marine renewables and it is also a great place to be with a real buzz about it”.

Ben Yeats Project Development Manager at AWS Ocean Energy and himself a Heriot-Watt alumni comments; “AWS is delighted to support Gregory over the summer.  We are a dynamic research focused organisation and we place great value on our links with academia. As a former student I also recognise the importance of this kind of experience for individual students”.

Dr Sandy Kerr, a lecturer at Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus said “studying in Orkney gives students unparalleled opportunities to see marine renewables in action”. 

Alness based AWS Ocean Energy is working hard to deliver the next generation of technologies to harness energy from the waves and tidal streams around our shores.  The company’s plans were boosted earlier this year when they secured investment from Shell, one of the world’s major energy companies.  The new investment has helped to step up development and recruitment activity, with AWS Ocean Energy confirming plans to double its workforce from the current 13 employees within the next twelve months.

For more information about studying at the Orkney Campus see www.icit.org.uk and AWS Ocean Ltd at www.awsocean.com.